How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Outside, fireworks blossomed against the inky night sky. Elodie glanced up, watching the bursts of color fade before turning to see Rosemary and Emile nearby, capturing the moment on video.

She could feel the old woman's concern for her, warm and genuine.

If it weren't for her grandmother shielding her these past years, life in the Silverstein family would have been even harder.

"Grandma, we didn't argue," Elodie said softly. "You know how it is—Jarrod and I hardly ever fight."

Most of their issues simmered in silence.

After all, arguments require some spark of feeling. But all Jarrod had for her was cold indifference, maybe even contempt.

For a moment, her grandmother was at a loss for words.

She understood. Even the closest couples have their share of squabbles— especially after years of marriage. Weren't Jarrod and Elodie supposed to be the most important people in each other's lives by now?

Yet the way they lived... it was as if they were strangers, bound together only by obligation.

Elodie had tried everything to warm the ice between them, but nothing seemed to work.

Jarrod simply didn't care.

He treated her like a business associate polite, detached, and never personal.

Her grandmother seemed at a loss, finally letting out a sigh. "You're right. Your grandfather and the others are getting on in years. You should spend time with them-it's no big deal as long as you two didn't fight. Still, I'll have another talk with that stubborn boy. Don't worry, darling, I won't let him take you for granted!"

Elodie knew how much her grandmother worried over her marriage.

After a long pause, she finally replied, gently, "Grandma, it's all right. There's no need."

They were already divorced-there was no point in fixing what was broken.

wasting any more effort on something hopeless. Maybe, with this hint, it would be easier for her to

sensing something unspoken in Elodie's words. She sounded confused but finally relented, "All right... Just enjoy your time

"I will."

the call, Elodie let

a few treats for her grandparents. Her grandmother had a sweet tooth, but her blood sugar was unpredictable-most of

the hotel staff were

simple batch

through baking, her

her messages-it was

are you coming back? Mom said you're not making desserts

seriously? You know I have to have them

are you? Say

once. Just don't tell Sylvie, okay? Now will you come home and make them for

Elodie's expression didn't change.

ever spoke to her when she wanted something, and her tone

years when Lucinda was obsessed with her antiques investments and always traveling, she'd leave Octavia

her, meeting her every demand, but Octavia had grown picky

time when Octavia had clung to

Octavia

saw no reason to keep indulging her—especially after all the times Octavia had

paused, opened Octavia's chat,

her phone and went back to

ended up with three

moment's thought, she messaged Freya, asking her to come downstairs

by sending her a doctor's contact, even though the doctor still hadn't replied. Still, Elodie preferred not to owe anyone

a good while chatting about drones

Elodie watched the New Year's countdown on TV with Rosemary and the others,

her shower and evening routine, she received

disgusting! Can't even go out on New Year's without seeing